Findquide

Findquide is a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) that users may be surprised to find installed on their computers. The fact that users don't remember to have specifically allowed the installation of the application is easily explained - applications classified as PUPs rely on underhanded distribution tactics to spread around. These intrusive programs can be wrapped inside software bundles alongside a far more desirable product or could be injected into fake installers/updaters.

Once deployed on the computer, however, the nature of Findquide becomes immediately apparent. The application is designed to monetize its presence by running an unwanted ad campaign and causing redirects to a promoted website. In short, Findquide could act as a combination of adware and a browser hijacker. Users could notice a significant increase in the advertisements they see while surfing the Internet. More importantly, advertisements delivered by these questionable sources are likely to promote unsafe destinations, such as fake giveaways, phishing portals, shady adult-oriented platforms and more.

At the same time, the user's browser could be seen redirecting to an unfamiliar address. Browser hijackers typically assume control over the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine settings, and change them to now open a sponsored page. Users should be careful, as in most cases this promoted page is a fake search engine that could deliver untrustworthy results.

Finally, there is a high chance that the PUP lurking on your computer is spying on the browsing activities conducted on it. These intrusive applications are commonly equipped with functionality that allows them to capture the browsing and search histories alongside numerous device details and exfiltrate them to a remote server. In more serious cases, the PUP may even attempt to extract details from the browser's autofill data. The information saved in it usually consists of account credentials, banking details and even credit/debit card numbers.